Structural and Electrical Characterizations of Lanthanum Chromite: Effect of Synthesis Routes

Abstract

Lanthanum chromite (LaCrO3) was synthesized by two routes employing auto combustion and conventional solid state routes. Phase investigation of the prepared samples was carried out by powder X-ray diffraction techniques, which confirmed the single phase formation. Rietveld analysis of lanthanum chromite exhibited the orthorhombic structure with space group Pnma at room temperature. Well crystalline single phase of lanthanum chromite was obtained by calcination of powder at 1200°C by solid state technique and at 1000°C by auto combustion method. SEM images of lanthanum chromite exhibited the microstructure of crystals and the nature of agglomeration among them for both synthesis processes. Frequency and temperature dependent conductivity of the two samples revealed that conduction behaviour is independent of the synthesis route. The magnitude of DC conductivity for solid state sample was found to increase by little amount. SEM morphology and structural modes of vibrations were studied employing SEM and FTIR techniques, respectively. © 2012 Copyright The Indian Ceramic Society.